monument london visit

How to get to the Monument The Monument is located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 61 metres from where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. There are now many coffee shops and places to eat around this world famous attraction. When traveling to the Monument;

By bus use numbers 17, 21, 35, 40, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344, 521 (all routes through London Bridge).

By train use London Bridge, Cannon Street, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR stations

By tube use Monument on the District and Circle lines or London Bridge on the Northern and Jubilee lines.

By car the nearest car park is NCP Thames Exchange (Vintry), located on Bell Wharf Lane off Upper Thames Street, EC4R 3TB

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The Monument: Top Tips And Visitor Information

Explore the tallest isolated column in the world

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Monument in the City of London was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1667 after the Great Fire of London to send out the message that the "city would soon rise again." Visitors that make the climb to the top are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of London. 

The History 

Sir Christopher Wren's flame-topped Monument to the Great Fire of 1666 is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. Completed in 1677, The Monument stands 202 feet high (61 meters) and is positioned 202 feet (61 meters) from the spot on Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London is believed to have started.

How to Reach the Top 

There is no elevator/lift so the only way to the top of The Monument is to climb the 311 spiral steps. It is a narrow staircase and there is nowhere to stop and rest. Plus, you come down the same way, so be prepared to pass other visitors going in the opposite direction.

Note: You don't actually climb right to the top as there is a gilded golden orb at the very top. Visitors can reach heights of 160 feet at the viewing "cage" and the very top measures 202 feet.

The Monument Review

The Monument reopened in February 2009 after an extensive restoration. There is now a pavilion with public bathrooms and facilities for staff at ground level.

It can get crowded at the top; don't try to stay for too long but do have a look out from all sides. As you would expect, there's not much room up at the top but you can pass each other if everyone breathes in. There aren't many iconic views but you can see Tower Bridge .

If you enjoy these vistas, consider visiting Up at The O2 , The London Eye and the St Paul's Cathedral Galleries .

Top Tips When Visiting The Monument

Prepare ahead to make your visit seamless:

• Don't take a large bag as it makes it harder to pass other people on the stairs. Leave bags with a friend at the bottom (there is no cloakroom) or simply don't bring much with you when visiting.
• Do bring your camera as you will get to enjoy some fantastic views from the gallery "cage" at the top. Put your camera in your pocket or around your neck as you will need your hands free to hold onto the railings when you climb up and down.
• There are talking telescopes in the "cage" to let you know what you can see.
• Don't give up as those who climb all the way to the top (and back down again) receive a certificate!

Visitor Information

The Monument is located at the north end of London Bridge at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 61 meters from where the Great Fire of London started in 1666.

Address: The Monument, Monument Street, London EC3R 8AH

Nearest Tube stations: Monument (District and Circle lines) and London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)

Telephone: 020 7626 2717

Tickets:  £4.50 per adult. £2.30 per child aged 5 to 15. There are combination tickets available for the Monument and the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Check current prices on the official website .

Hours: Open daily from 09.30 to 17.30 (last admission 17.00)

Visit Duration: 1 hour

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Monument

The monument to the great fire of london ultimate guide.

Many free walking tours on the City of London will take you to a landmark so important it's simply known as "The Monument". What does it commemorate?

On the night of September 2nd, 1666, a small fire was sparked on Pudding Lane by a man named Thomas Farriner. His maid had forgotten to put out the ovens the night before, and as a result the ovens caused sparks in his wooden house.

Because the majority of the buildings surrounding the house were made of timber, not to mention that the city was experiencing strong winds at the time, it didn’t take long for the fire to spread at an alarming rate.

Within several hours the fire had spread both north and west, and destroyed Gracechurch Street, Lombard Street, the Royal Exchange, both the Newgate and Ludgate prisons, and nearly every building along Fleet Street towards Chancery Lane. Luckily the fire didn’t spread to Southwark, but a third of London Bridge was destroyed.

It is said that The Great Fire of London burned down approximately 80 percent of the City of London’s medieval buildings, as well as 87 churches, 70,000 homes, and 44 halls. Not only that, because the heat from the fire was so strong, it also melted the original roof of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Within 12 hours, smoke could be seen all the way from Oxford, embers were falling on Kensington, and many Londoners were fleeing to Moorfields and Finsbury Hill. Miraculously there was not much loss of life, but about one sixth of London’s population were left homeless, and it took decades for London and its people to recuperate from the disaster of the fire.

The Monument To The Great Fire Of London was erected in commemoration of that night in order to give Londoners hope “that the city would soon rise again” after the fire. It was decided to place to Monument on the exact location of where St. Margaret’s Church burnt down (which was the first church to be destroyed by the fire), and to give the Monument a height of 61 metres to represent the exact distance between the column and where the fire first started on Pudding Lane.

The Monument was designed by Robert Hooke and Christopher Wren (who also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral), and was constructed between 1671 and 1677.

Monument to The Great Fire Of London Highlights

Although the Monument commemorates one of the tumultuous events in London’s history, today it is a popular London attraction that you can visit by yourself or with a guide on a free tour (over 100,000 visitors climb to the top of the Monument each year to enjoy a panoramic view of the city).

Architecture lovers will appreciate its unique design, which is comprised of a fluted Doric column built of Portland stone. The column that stands at 160 feet in height (which makes it the tallest isolated stone column in the world), and is topped with a gilded urn from the Great Fire. Inside the Monument there is a narrow winding staircase consisting of 311 steps, as well as a mesh cage which was added in the mid-19th century to prevent people from jumping off the top.

At the base of the Monument you will see inscriptions in Latin which describe the actions of Charles II following the events of the fire, as well as how the fire was started and how much damage it caused.

Although originally a Latin inscription on the east side of the Monument stated that Roman Catholics were to blame for the fire, the words were chiselled out in 1830. There is also a sculpture located on the western side of the Monument’s base which features Charles II and his brother James II surrounded by liberty, architecture and science.

In recent years a 360-degree panoramic camera was installed at the top of the Monument which provides Londoners with a record of the daily weather, and is updated every minute, 24 hours a day.

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting monument to the great fire of london.

Recommended visiting time is about one hour, but may be longer if you want to climb to the top of the Monument and spend some time taking photographs.

Be advised that children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult if they want to climb to the top of the Monument, and visitors will not be allowed to carry large bags during the climb. (You can leave their belongings with staff at the bottom of the staircase during your climb).

Also keep in mind that there is no lift to the top of the Monument, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes if you plan on climbing all 311 stairs to the top. There will be nowhere to stop and rest once you start your climb, and you will have to pass other visitors walking in the opposite direction.

Ticket prices and Opening Hours

The Monument is open everyday from:

• 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. between April and September (with last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
• 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. everyday from October to March (last admission 5 p.m.).

Tickets cost £4 for adults, and £2 for children under the age of 16. Only cash is accepted at the Monument so make sure you bring some change with you.

You can also purchase joint tickets with Tower Bridge which cost £10.50 for adults or £4.70 for children.

If you want to visit The Monument, you might want to take a look at the many free tours in London that depart every day.

Free Tours in Your Language

• Accessibility help

Visitor Safety

Visitor safety at the monument, safe and sound.

The safety and security of our visitors to The Monument to the Great Fire of London is paramount. Our trained security and welcome hosts are on-site to assist you and will happily talk to you during your visit. They are here to keep the safety and security of the Monument and its visitors and to enhance the experience’.

Please cooperate fully with all security checks and support these vital members of our team as they carry out important work to keep us all safe.

Search and screening

We currently operate a 100% searching policy, meaning all bags belonging to visitors are subject to search.

On arrival, your bag search will occur and will be carried out by our trained security staff. Visitors are advised to allow additional time for security checks.

The spiral staircase to the viewing platform is narrow, and we advise that you do not bring large items of luggage with you. This is to avoid damage to the structure's historic fabric and enable there to be more room to admire the view.

The maximum size of bag that is allowed inside The Monument is H40 x W25 x 15 cm. At busy times, staff may ask you to carry backpacks at your side or on your front to avoid contact when passing other visitors.

There is very limited storage for bags too large to be taken up The Monument. Large bags are required to be left in a designated bag storage area at the bottom of the staircase. Please note: these bags are left at your own risk. We recommend not leaving any valuable items in the bag storage area.

Any larger items such as suitcases or luggage, will not be allowed in The Monument.

For the safety and security of visitors and staff, we use CCTV at the Monument. 

What else do we do to keep you safe? 

The answer is lots. There are the security measures you can see and, of course, the ones you can’t. We monitor The Monument each and every day and all our staff are trained to ensure all our visitors have a safe, secure and enjoyable experience.

We work very closely in partnership with the City of London Police , the  Metropolitan Police Service  and members of the security services to ensure our security procedures are up to date and following best practice.

Getting to The Monument

Plan Your Visit

Closed to visitors on the 26th April 2024

The Monument will be closed to visitors on Friday the 26th of April

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The Monument

• Attractions

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Fish St. Hill, London, EC3R 8AH

The Monument commemorates one of the most significant events in London's history: the Great Fire of 1666. Standing on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, the 202ft column designed by Robert Hooke in consultation with Sir Christopher Wren, celebrates the City that rose from the ashes. You can climb The Monument's 311 spiral steps to enjoy one of the most unique views London has to offer.

Listing location

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London Monument to The Great Fire of 1666

If you want one of the best views of London, you have a number of options – if you’re willing to pay; The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, etc.

But if you’re travelling on a budget, there’s a little-known venue in the City of London that not only affords a spectacular view of the city, it also comes at a ridiculously affordable price. It's the London Monument to the Great Fire of 1666!

• What is the Monument?

Description of the Monument

Where is the monument, tickets, opening times and visitor information, virtual tour: the great fire of london, other attractions nearby, what is the monument to the great fire of 1666.

The Monument To The Great Fire of London commemorates one of the most significant events in London's history.

In the early hours of September 1666, a fire in a bakery on Pudding Lane broke out, eventually destroying nearly all of medieval London.

When the reconstruction of the city began, King Charles II decreed that a monument should be constructed to commemorate the disaster.

Architects Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren designed the Monument and it was completed in 1677 at a cost of £13,450.00 (just over £1.5Million today).

Today it holds the record of being the world's tallest, free-standing, stone column!

For decades after it was built, the Monument was the highest viewpoint in London and was a popular visitor attraction - it is even mentioned in the Dickens work Martin Chuzzlewit.

Though it is no longer the highest viewpoint in London (that accolade goes to the Shard), it is still accessible to the public and well worth the effort to visit.

Oh, and once a visitor has climbed the 311 steps to the top, and back down again, they are awarded with a certificate that congratulates them on their efforts - a truly unique London souvenir.

Those coming on our  City of London tour  will be shown The London Monument during the walk and the tour ends a short distance away!

Nowadays just called The Monument, this iconic 17th-century London landmark comprises a doric column made of portland stone, topped by a viewing gallery and a gilded urn of fire.

The pedestal base has four sides with varying depictions, inscriptions, and details about the blaze:

The west side of the base displays a  relief  sculpture by  Caius Gabriel Cibber featuring King Charles II and his brother, James, the Duke of York, who helped battle the blaze.

The south side describes the King's actions after the fire. The east side describes how the Monument came to be.

The north side describes how the fire began - although this description has changed throughout the years.

The initial carving (nothing but lies) blamed the fire on Catholics, supposedly acting in a popish frenzy, even threatening further action!

A Latin sentence was even added to the end of the inscription previously read: Sed Furor Papisticus Qui Tamdiu Patravit Nondum Restingvitur (but Popish frenzy, which wrought such horrors, is not yet quenched).

The column stands at exactly 202 ft. high (62 m) because, if it was tipped over onto its' side, the top of it would touch the exact spot on Pudding Lane where the bakery in which the Great Fire is thought to have begun, used to stand.

A plaque at that location, a gift from London's bakers, is placed on the same site and reads: Near this site stood the shop belonging to Thomas Faryner the King's Baker in which the Great Fire of September 1666 Began.

The Monument is located adjacent to the intersection of Fish Street Hill and Monument Street.

The best way to reach it is to use this Google map for directions to get to the Monument .  

Nearest Underground Station: Monument/Bank (Read our post on navigating the London Underground .)

Nearest Rail Station: London Bridge or Cannon Street

Buses Routes: 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, 141, 149, 344, 388

If you are planning on utilizing a hop-on, hop-off bus to travel around London, keep in mind that companies, such as Big Bus , have stops at the London Monument.  

Read our comparison post on London bus tour options .

Ticket Prices

• Adult (16+): £6.00
• Child (5 to 15): £3.00
• Under 5: FREE
• Student (with ID): £4.50
• Senior (with ID): £4.50

Admission is free with the London Pass .

Opening Times

The Monument is open daily from:

9:30 - 13:00 (last entry at 12:30) and again from 14:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)

Additional Information

There are a limited number of people allowed in the Monument at any given time so you may have to wait a short while before you enter.

Bag searchers are in operation.

Visitors should be prepared for a workout, as there is no lift and 311 stairs on a narrow winding staircase to climb!

Once at the top, guests can stand on a viewing platform that provides 360-degree panoramic views of the capital and a close-up look at the golden flames on top of the monument. 

For more information, check out the London Monument Visitor Information page.

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Best Monuments in London Landmarks, Historic Sites & More

Select Your Experience

London Eye Fast Track Tickets

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Fancy yourself views from the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel.
• Enjoy London Eye fast-track entry that allows you to bypass ticketing queues and head right inside.
• The London Eye attracts more than 3.75 million visitors every year, and for good reason.
• Board fully-enclosed, climate-controlled capsules that guarantee an unforgettable 30-min ride (a complete rotation).
• From 135 meters off the ground, witness iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and more.
• Benefit from complimentary access to the Eye Lounge and learn about the history of this iconic landmark from the London Eye 4D Cinema Experience.
• London Eye fast-track tickets
• Access to the Eye Lounge
• London Eye 4D Cinema Experience
• 360-degree panoramic views of the City of London
• Hotel transfers
• Food and drinks
• Tip: Visit the London Eye during sunset for some stunning views of the city.
• The London Eye is wheelchair accessible.
• Children under the age of 18yrs must be accompanied by adults.
• Briefcases, laptops, baby bags, foldable buggies, and drinking water are permitted onboard.
• Large bags, sharp objects, and items that can cause security hazards are strictly prohibited.

Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels

• Explore the iconic 1000-year-old Tower of London, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the stunning Crown Jewels!
• Visit the White Tower, once the strongest point in the castle, and the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, the burial place of prisoners like Queen Anne Boleyn.
• Be dazzled by the majestic Crown Jewels, the greatest working collection of crown jewels in the world, and a precious symbol of the British Monarchy.
• Get a glimpse into the chilling torture methods that prisoners used to face at the Tower exhibition, and explore the interactive Royal Mint exhibition.
• With access to free WiFi, live historical re-enactments, and children's activity trails, this experience promises fun and learning for the entire family!
• Entry into the Tower of London
• Access to The Crown Jewels
• Access to the children's activity trails and live historical re-enactments
• Free WiFi access
• Tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, don’t miss the Ceremony of the Keys, a traditional ceremony that takes place every night at the Tower of London.
• The Crown Jewels are a working collection and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.
• Luggage and large bags are not allowed.
• Not all areas are accessible to wheelchair users.
• Trained assistance dogs are welcome.
• Tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment are not allowed.
• Smoking, eating, and drinking within all buildings are not allowed.

From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets

• Explore the wonders of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio with round-trip transfers from London – a perfect day trip for Potterheads of all ages!
• Choose your pick-up point and spend a magical 4 hours exploring the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter™ film series.
• While wandering Diagon Alley™, you'll spot famed shopfronts! Fancy a wand from Ollivanders or a peek into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?
• Step into Gringotts Bank, and keep a sharp eye out; goblins are known to be a tad protective of their treasures!
• All aboard the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾™! Pose with the luggage trolley and relive that iconic moment, a scene shot at these studios.
• 4-hour tour of The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
• Entry to The Making of Harry Potter™ at Warner Bros. Studio
• Round-trip transfers from Victoria, Baker’s Street, King’s Cross, or Russell Square
• Guided tour
• Tip: Don't pass up the Backlot Cafe without trying Butterbeer. For a twist, try the Butterbeer ice cream too!
• Guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
• This experience is accessible for wheelchair users who can board the coach.
• The Kings Cross pick-up location may not be accessible for wheelchair users.
• The experience, including round-trip transfers from London, lasts approximately 7 hours. Inside the Studio, you will spend up to 4 hours.
• During booking, choose your preferred pick-up time from four locations in London. This will determine your departure time for the studio tour.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Admission Tickets to the Kew Gardens

• Take a break from the grind and visit London's Kew Botanical Gardens to stop and smell the roses.
• The Kew Gardens, London's largest UNESCO OWlrd Heritage Site, feature a wide variety of conservatories, art galleries, and restaurants- start where you like.
• Explore the 2 upcoming exhibitions this year, The Secret World of Plants & Japan.
• Admire the tranquil Japanese gardens and take a mindful moment to marvel at the landscape design.
• Embrace the world of plant biodiversity through interactive art installations using music, sound, and color.
• The gardens cover over 120 hectares and feature a wide variety of plants and trees from many different biomes, all of which you can discover for yourself.
• Entry to Kew Gardens
• Access to the art galleries (Marianne North & Shirley Sherwood), Kew Palace, greenhouses, and the Treetop Walkway
• Free guided walking tours (at least twice a day)
• Map and guide to the highlights of the season
• Hop-on hop-off land train
• Christmas at Kew
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility.
• The lift to the Treetop Walkway is currently out of service.
• The Badger Sett in the Natural Area is closed.
• Parking is prohibited on Kew Road and is limited around the area.
• There are no lockers or baggage storage facilities available.
• Kew Palace toilets are currently closed for refurbishment. The closest facilities are at the Orangery.

Up At The O2

• Experience an exhilarating outdoor climb over the roof of one of London's most striking buildings.
• Hook up your harness and follow a friendly climb guide from whom you can learn all the interesting facts about The O2.
• Reap your reward at the summit: Stand 52 meters above the legendary arena and enjoy 360-degree views of the historic area of London.
• Spot several city landmarks miles away that appear closer from where you stand.
• Take your pick between Daytime Climb, Sunset Climb, and Twilight Climb options.
• With the Daytime Climb, you can see landmarks as far as 15 miles away on a clear day.
• The Sunset Climb makes for a unique romantic experience as you admire London set against the auburn sky.
• Go for the Twilight Climb if you want to soak in 360-degree views amidst the twinkling night sky.
• Admission tickets
• Climb guide
• Climb jacket and climb shoes available on request
• Food and Beverages
• Tip: Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Please note that climbers will be required to wear the venue's climb shoes, so socks must be worn.
• Up at The O2 is not suitable for pregnant women.

Every guest must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age: 8 years
• Minimum height: 1.2m
• Maximum weight: no more than 21 stone/130kg/286lbs
• Maximum measurements: maximum waist measurement 125cm, maximum upper thigh measurement 75cm

Note: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the ratios as below:

• Ages 8 to 17 – 1 adult to 5 minors

London doesn’t need an introduction. The English capital is a blockbuster city and among the most advanced globally. The famous monuments in London are irresistible for tourists, millions of whom visit every year. But where should you go? Let’s find out as we explore the most exciting monuments in London.

21 Best Monuments in London

Every monument in London has a story, but here are 21 popular monuments in London that offer something more.

Iconic as they come, Big Ben is the face of London. It includes the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower and has a massive bell inside the clock tower that weighs 13,760 kg.

Interesting fact: Big Ben doesn’t stop easily. The Commons Chamber was destroyed in the Second World War, but Big Ben survived and continued working.

Location: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom. Find on map

2. London Eye

Observation wheel.

The London Eye is one of the most popular monuments in the English capital. You can ride the wheel and catch amazing views of iconic London monuments.

Interesting fact: The 32 pods in the London Eye represent the 32 boroughs in London.

Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom. Find on map

3. Tower Bridge

London’s iconic Tower Bridge is all about history and innovation. It has run on intricate systems throughout time and was the first bridge of its kind to be built in London.

Interesting fact: The Tower Bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1894 through the collaboration of five companies.

Location : Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom. Find on map

4. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, a symbol of British monarchy, stands in the heart of London, serving as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch.

Handy tip: The Royal Palace is open to tourists only between July and October.

Location: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom. Find on map

5. Tower of London

The Tower of London has an intriguing history. In its 900 years of existence, the Tower has served as an armoury, prison, and royal residence.

Interesting fact: Black ravens are the most famed residents of the Tower of London. Legend says that if the ravens disappear, the Tower and the kingdom would collapse.

Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom. Find on map

6. Westminster Abbey

Religious site.

Westminster Abbey is a popular cathedral in London. From coronations to weddings and burials, the abbey serves several purposes.

Interesting fact: Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of Sir Issac Newton, Edward the Confessor, and Anne of Cleves.

Location: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom. Find on map

7. Westminster Palace

England’s fate is decided in Westminster Palace. Also called the House of Parliament, the monument is where the House of Commons and House of Lords meet to discuss state affairs.

Interesting fact: The oldest part of the Westminster Palace was originally built in 1097, making it one of the oldest buildings in England.

8. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Second only to the St Peter’s Basilica in Rome in size, the St. Paul’s Cathedral has a history dating back thousands of years. Its crypt is the resting place of iconic citizens like Winston Churchill.

Interesting fact: The cathedral’s dome, among its most striking features, is difficult to access. The staircase is poorly lit, making it difficult for tourists to find their way.

Location: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom. Find on map

9. Kensington Palace

The Kensington Palace is another Royal London monument. It has been home to the Royal Family since the 17th century, with residents like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.

Handy tip: Don’t forget to check out Princess Diana of Wales’ famous outfits, called "Diana: Her Fashion Story."

Location: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom. Find on map

10. The Shard

Modern building.

Standing at 309.6 metres, the Shard is the tallest skyscraper in Europe. The observation deck atop the Shard, called “The View,” offers fantastic views of the London skyline.

Interesting fact: Private apartments in the Shard cost between £30 to 50 million.

Location: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom. Find on map

11. Shakespeare's Globe

Fans of theatre and cinema will love the Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the theatre in which Shakespeare performed back in 1559.

Handy tip: You can witness plays in Shakespeare’s Globe in the summer months. (May to October)

Location: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom. Find on map

12. Monument to the Great Fire of London

A great fire swept through London in 1666, destroying thousands of homes and lives. The Monument to the Great Fire of London was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the victims of the Great Fire of London.

Interesting fact: The Monument’s restoration project in 2007 cost a whopping £4.5 million. It was funded by the City of London Corporation.

Location: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, United Kingdom. Find on map

13. City Hall

City Hall, the headquarters of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, boasts a distinctive and futuristic design by renowned architect Norman Foster. He is known for shaping landmarks like the Reichstag in Berlin and other architecturally unique structures.

Interesting fact: The oval shape of the City Hall helps it save energy.

Location: Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE, United Kingdom. Find on map

14. HMS Belfast

The Royal Navy’s pride, the HMS Belfast, served the British loyally in the Second World War and Korean War. It was commissioned for humanitarian services between the 50s and 60s.

Handy tip: The HMS Belfast is the only surviving warship from the Second World War.

Location: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom. Find on map

15. Victoria and Albert Museum

A visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum is a journey in time. The museum has archives dating back 5,000 years, making it a vital repository of human civilization.

Interesting fact: The Victoria and Albert Museum has over 2.8 million objects and books dedicated to art, design, and architecture.

Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom. Find on map

16. Battle of Britain Memorial

The British suffered dearly in the First and Second World War. The Battle of Britain pays tribute to the aircrew who lost their lives in battle.

Interesting fact: The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, unveiled by HRH Prince Michael of Kent in 2005, contains the names of all those who served Britain in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Location: New Dover Rd, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone CT18 7JJ, United Kingdom. Find on map

17. The Cenotaph

The Cenotaph is the centre for remembrance and commemoration in Britain. It was built as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War.

Interesting fact: There are no names on the Cenotaph, allowing people to give their own meaning to the memorial.

Location: Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET, United Kingdom. Find on map

18. Wembley Stadium

Football is popular in England. Wembley Stadium is the home of the English football team and is the largest football stadium in England.

Interesting fact: Wembley Stadium is one of the few stadiums in the world that has hosted the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

Location: London HA9 0WS, United Kingdom. Find on map

19. Trafalgar Square

Experience London at its authentic best in Trafalgar Square. The vibrant square is buzzing 24x7 and lights up like a palace on Christmas.

Interesting fact: The square was designed in 1830 to celebrate the victory of the British over French and Spanish fleets.

Location: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom. Find on map

20. Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial

The Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. The Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial serves as a solemn testament, honoring the memory of the millions who perished..

Handy tip: This memorial is open 24x7 every day of the year.

Location: 38 A4, London SW1X 7JU, United Kingdom. Find on map

21. The British Museum

As big as they come, the British Museum houses incredible works in archaeology and ethnography. Greek sculptures from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus are among the most popular objects in the museum.

Interesting fact: The British Museum houses the Rosetta Stone, a key artifact that played a crucial role in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom. Find on map

Frequently Asked Questions About Monuments in London

London is home to skyscrapers, historical monuments, and timeless museums. The London Eye, the Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London are the best monuments to visit in London.

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Wembley Stadium are the most famous monuments in London.

The British Museum, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Westminster Palace are the best historical monuments in London.

The Big Ben, Kensington Palace, and Trafalgar Square are the most popular monuments in London.

You can buy tickets to the best monuments in London here or on the official website of any monument.

The Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are among the most visited monuments in London.

Summer is a great time to visit London. Temperatures range from 13-30°C and there’s a good mix of sunshine and rain.

The London Eye is one of the most iconic monuments in London.

London is home to countless historical and cultural monuments.

The British Museum, the Kensington Palace, and the Westminster Abbey are the oldest monuments in London.

Monuments in London

About monuments in london.

London is home to some of the most iconic landmarks that mirror the rich culture and tradition of the city. From massive castles to high clock towers and royal palaces, the city is teeming with monuments of historical importance – some as old as a thousand years. You can visit the Tower of London, which has served as a royal palace, execution site, and prison. Check out the priceless art collection at Buckingham Palace and admire the stunning architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral. You can also visit Westminster Abbey, which is the resting place of more than three thousand great Britons. Take a tour of Big Ben to admire its masterwork construction, timeless beauty, and unfaltering timekeeping.

Take a look at the lavish lives of the Kings and Queens by visiting Kensington Palace and learn about the city's intriguing history by heading to Victoria and Albert Museum. You can also visit Bomber Command Memorial, which was built to honor those who served with Bomber Command. Don't forget to check out Nelson's Column, which commemorates the victory of Admiral Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. So what are you waiting for? Visit these splendid monuments in London that are a testament to the city's rich history and culture..

There are many wonderful monuments in London that reflect opulence and extravaganza and have played an important role in shaping the city's identity. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch, and Westminster Abbey, the city is awash with places of lore and legends. So let's take a closer look at the top 12 iconic monuments in London!

The Tower of London is a beautiful monument in London that houses the priceless crown jewels of the British monarchs, such as crowns, orbs, scepters, and swords. Its history dates back nearly a thousand years, and it served as a royal residence, execution site, and prison. The prime attraction of the building is the Chapel Royal of St Peter and Vincula, which holds the remains of the prisoners executed at the Tower.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence and the principal workplace of the British monarch since 1837. It is the best monument in London with 775 rooms, out of which 52 are for the Royals, 19 are staterooms, 188 are allocated as staff quarters, and 78 are bathrooms. The Palace gardens house thirty species of bird and three hundred and twenty-two types of British wildflowers. Changing the Guard, a formal ceremony is held outside the palace every day from April until the end of July in which the New Guard exchanges duties with the old ones.

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most famous monuments in London, sitting at the city's highest point. It is an Anglican cathedral, a national treasure, and the mother church of the Diocese of London. The prime attractions of the cathedral include the Whispering Gallery, Golden Gallery, and Stone Gallery. It also houses a spectacular array of art pieces ranging from Sir James Thornhill's gilded dome murals to the delicate carvings of Grinling Gibbons in the quire. You can climb 528 stairs inside the dome to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church that has been the traditional coronation site of British queens and kings since 1066. It is also the burial site for seventeen famous figures, including Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Dickens, and many others. The abbey features a library and muniment room that houses extensive collections of books, archival material, manuscripts, and more. Royal weddings, funerals, and memorial services are also conducted here on a regular basis.

Big Ben is a massive clock tower and an object of national pride situated next to the Houses of Parliament. The 13.5-ton bell chimes every hour and is also known as the "Voice of Britain." Big Ben was constructed by British architect Augustus Pugin, and it serves as the standard clock of the city. You can enjoy a guided tour of Big Ben and climb the 334 spiral steps to the top of the clock tower. Tourists can also visit the mechanism room to learn how Big Ben's clock works.

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence of Kings and Qeens for over three hundred years. Today it houses the residences and offices of various members of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. You can take a tour of the King and Queen's State Apartments, see the collection of royal ceremonial dresses and walk through the rooms where Queen Victoria spent her childhood.

Marble Arch is one of the most splendid monuments in London, renowned for its elaborate architectural features and detailed carvings. This nineteenth-century triumphal arch was initially constructed to be the entrance to Buckingham Palace. But it was moved in 1851, and it now stands on a plaza beside Hyde Park. Some of the best eateries, like Prezzo and W1 Restaurant, are situated around the Marble Arch. There are also large department stores around the arch where you can find everything from accessories to fashion and food.

Victoria and Albert Museum has been named after Prince Albert and Queen Victoria and is an encyclopedia of British art and history. It's the world's largest design and decorative arts museum, housing a huge collection of sculptures, ceramics, fashion, drawings, paintings, and books from the ancient to the present day. The highlights of the museum include the Cast Courts and Photography Centre, where you'll find copies of Trajan's Column and Michelangelo's David.

Bomber Command Memorial is one of the most famous monuments in London commemorating the martyrs who died during the Second World War while serving in the Bomber Command. The memorial was designed by Liam O'Connor in a classical style using Portland stones. Within the memorial, you can see the beautiful bronze sculptures of a Bomber aircrew.

Nelson's Column is a popular monument in London built to commemorate the courage and resilience of British royal naval Admiral Horatio Nelson. The monument weighs around 2,500 tonnes, and four bronze lions sit at the base of the column. It has slender fluted columns decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. The four panels at the bottom of the monument depict scenes from Nelson's four main battles: the Battle of Copenhagen, the Battle of the Nile, his death at the Battle of Trafalgar, and the Battle of Cape St Vincent.

Crimean War Memorial is one of the most admired monuments in London that commemorates the victory in the Crimean War of 1853–56. The memorial comprises three Guardsmen, Coldstream, Grenadier, and Fusilier. Above the group of three Guardsmen, you can see a young female allegorical figure referred to as Honour and Victory. The famous statue of Florence Nightingale is also an integral part of the Crimean War Memorial.

Cenotaph is another popular monument in London that was built to honor the brave men who sacrificed their lives during World Wars I and II. This towering monument has been made from local granite and is sixty-feet high. It features bronze tablets that bear the names of the martyrs from the Straits Settlements who died while performing their duty. Cenotaph was gazetted as a National Monument on 28 December 2010 by the local authorities.

What are the best London monuments to visit with kids?

The best monuments in London that you can visit with kids include the National Maritime Museum, the Tower of London, the London Dungeon, and Buckingham Palace.

What is the most famous building in London?

St Paul's Cathedral is one the most famous monuments in London, renowned for its majestic dome and breathtaking architecture. It served as the site of the marriage of Diana Spencer and Prince Charles and even made appearances in Mary Poppins and Harry Potter franchise. The cathedral also houses the tombs of the Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson.

Do Checkout: Stonehenge Tours

What is special about London?

London is a treasure trove of historical attractions, world-class museums, varied neighborhoods, and royal palaces. It also has the most eclectic nightlife and is dotted with bars, nightclubs, and pubs. There are also ample green spaces like Hyde Park and Kew Gardens. Some of the prime monuments in London include the Bomber Command Memorial, the Tower of London, the London Dungeon, and Buckingham Palace.

How to reach London?

London has six international airports Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, London City, Southend, and Stansted. Heathrow Airport is the largest in London, well-connected to all the major cities across the world. The airport is served by major airlines like Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, etc.

London is well-connected to all the parts of the UK through the railway system. Eurostar offers high-speed service to London and operates between London, Paris, and Brussels.

What is special about Bomber Command Memorial?

Bomber Command Memorial commemorates the brave aircrew who died during the Second World War while serving in the Bomber Command. It features a bronze sculpture of three Guardsmen- Coldstream, Grenadier, and Fusilier.

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Top 10 Monuments of London

London Eye April - By By User:Diliff - Taken by user, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=690130

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Great fire of london.

Monument Great Fire of London Base – By Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=319213

Marble Arch

Marble Arch London – By By Tristan Surtel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82238924

Big Ben at sunset – By By © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36439364

Bomber Command Memorial

London RAF Bomber Command Memorial in London – By By Tim Rademacher – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38369096

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace – By By Steve Cadman – originally posted to Flickr as Kensington Palace, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8497864

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square, London – By By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7064855

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace London – By By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6488843

Guards Crimean War Memorial

The Crimean War Memorial – By By John Allan, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19121114

Peter Pan Statue

Peter Pan monument – By By Peter Clarke – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8245362

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Emma is a professional soccer player who has been traveling around Europe for the past 4 years. She enjoys hiking each country’s highest peaks and backpacking long-distance trails when she is in her off-season. Exploring new places, meeting different people, and writing about her experiences is the best ‘job’ she could ever ask for.

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